In today’s fast-paced industrial environment, indoor asset tracking is becoming essential for efficient warehouse operations. With advancements in technology, companies are -increasingly turning to drones and sophisticated inventory management software to enhance their tracking capabilities. In an interview with EPS News , Thierry Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research, emphasizes that large warehouses require several drones to monitor operations effectively. “Drones that cover vast areas simultaneously is crucial for success,” Klein says. In their report, they explain that drones are not just designed to “take pictures” — they employ sophisticated image recognition -algorithms to identify and analyze inventory, therefore improving accuracy in inventory management.
As Jason Casey, Vice President of Distribution Operations at Graybar, explains, “Like many of our technology implementations, Graybar is piloting the drone-based technology on a limited basis, which allows us to more fully understand its capabilities and learn how to achieve the best results before expanding to more locations.” He further notes, “We have learned that the success of automated asset tracking relies on a comprehensive data strategy that is supported by advanced technology.”
Inventory management software automates the processes of tracking, reordering and updating outgoing products and supplies. According to Forbes , “with the best inventory management software, you’ll track your business’s current inventory levels accurately to identify your current needs and take necessary steps to ensure you fulfill customer orders without holding too much of specific items.” Key features of effective inventory management software include:
-Digital labeling and barcode scanning
-Consolidated inventory management
-Real-time inventory tracking
-Low-stock alerts
-Automated reordering
-Reporting
According to NetSuite , inventory tracking is essential for businesses of all sizes, as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and the balance between supply and demand. While larger companies often have dedicated inventory managers, any employee overseeing inventory management plays a key role in providing accurate data on product availability. An effective inventory tracking system monitors products throughout the supply chain — from ordering to fulfillment and returns. By leveraging real-time inventory data, organizations can minimize costs, identify trends and boost revenue.
The shift toward indoor asset tracking technologies has proven to enhance productivity significantly. A report notes that “automakers in the United States have increased their production rates by 16 percent annually since 2010, largely due to their expanded use of robotic technologies.” Image recognition technology plays a central role in systems like Nokia’s Autonomous Inventory Monitoring Service (AIMS). EPS News highlights that “using AI-driven image analysis, the system can also spot irregularities, such as damaged goods or empty storage spaces, allowing warehouse managers to address issues before they escalate, contributing to a smoother and more efficient supply chain.”
In discussing the operational aspects of drone technology, Casey states, “Ensuring that the drone inventory count captures the correct quantities is key to providing accurate availability information to customers and planning appropriately for inventory replenishment.” He acknowledges that while the process is not overly complex, “completing this work at a large scale across a diverse product base takes time.” Emphasizing reliability, he adds, “We also are taking steps to ensure accuracy along the way, because our goal is to deliver reliable service our customers can count on.”
While warehouse drones are gaining traction among larger companies like Amazon, making these technologies accessible to smaller businesses remains a hot topic. Research from ARK Invest predicts that the cost of industrial robots will decrease by 50-60% this year, suggesting that the market for industrial robots will exceed expectations in the coming decades.
The type of inventory tracking methods a warehouse chooses can vary widely. As NetSuite explains, manual tracking—where mastering spreadsheets is paramount—has been the traditional choice. However, growing technologies, including cloud-based software and software-as-a-service (SaaS), are designed to ease the burden of time-consuming processes. For instance, a cloud-based solution may appeal to those seeking a mobile-friendly and flexible option, while SaaS solutions might be better suited for startups that aren’t ready for a comprehensive enterprise inventory management system.
Regardless, a crucial consideration for warehouses looking to implement new inventory management technologies, according to Casey, is ensuring they have robust industrial-grade connectivity. This capability allows for quick and secure data transmission, which supports real-time quality control and enhances the overall effectiveness of these systems. He concludes, “As we move forward with innovative technologies like Nokia AIMS, we believe in the importance of establishing a solid operational and data foundation that will allow us to take advantage of new features as the technology evolves.”
The integration of modern technologies such as drones and advanced inventory management software is transforming warehouse operations. By embracing these innovations, companies can enhance efficiency, improve customer service and ultimately drive profitability. As technology continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to success in the competitive landscape of industrial warehousing.
Interested in more content like this? Read our recent articles, 2025 Trends: Technology and Talent in Industrial Real Estate or BOMA Marks Key Milestone Toward Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Legislation .